Thank you, it really is. I really am so proud of it. Where its normally based at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, its regularly used for shunting, so gets a bit more work.
I remember in the docklands redevelopment in East London a poor Ruston that had been unceremoniously dumped on waste ground when they ripped up the old docklands yards next to Tate and Lyle's factory. I loved driving these, didn't have the pure grunt of the 08's but were more sprightly and could handle the crinkle cut chip rails in many a neglected yard, one of British railways unsung heroes that got the job done whether on little rails or with the big bois.
New subscriber here - Love it! Very cool project. Reminds me of my '42 WWII jeep. Lousy brakes, underpowered, rough riding, uncomfortable seats, no radio, AC, power steering or brakes, etc. but a total blast to drive around. I get offers, people who want to take photos, both of it and with it. Big fun!!!
What a fun toy you have! Yes, it is loud. It's a steel box with nothing designed to make it quiet. Sounds like transmission uses straight cut gears and is old enough that they might be worn too. No one cared about the noise when they made them. The workers ears and health were expendable. Looks like just the right size.
@@lmm When I retire I'd love to spend some time traveling and seeing all the places such as heritage rail. So keep yours running long enough for me to get there!
Yeah, there was a sleeper chained to the rail as a last resort, but the Loco was inspected before it left the MSLR and on arrival to the LWR to ensure everything with in good condition.
Thank you, I'm so very taken with the little thing. The Leiston Works railway is looking to extend quite a bit, but I don't think they've made any additional progress yet.
Being more familiar with the Ruston 88DS , I fully expected your 48DS to be just a smaller version (they do look similar) but there are quite a few differences. Electric start instead of air start, hand brake instead of air brakes to mention just a couple, but nevertheless, a very nice little loco- ideal size for the garden! You have done a lovely job of the paintwork and I hope you have many years of enjoyment driving it.
I don't know if this is just me, but I feel like this little thing has quite the "Purposeful" look to it. she means business, even if she's also kind of adorable in her own way. (I hope sincerely that you don't mind me calling your engine adorable). Especially from some of the low angle shots, how the buffers just sort of loom up at you.
Just seeing how much fun your having with such a small locomotive brings a smile to my face although it would be interesting to see it pulling a train cart or something it can easily move under it's own power but with the limited space of tracks your train is on I don't see it happening as of yet
If you check out some of the What's Broken Now videos you'll see it trundling about at the Mid Suffolk Light Railway, which is where it normally lives. It does bring me alot of joy!
Curiously I have seen a Ruston 48DS here in New Zealand. It was a 3ft 6inch gauge version at a little heritage railway near the town of Ashburton. I'm not sure why there's a 48DS in the smaller land down under, but that doesn't excuse her from being interesting.
A truly wonderful little shunter Locomotive! Out here in the 'states where I live, 'shunters' of this size were exceptionally rare, particularly after the era of Steam Locomotives. Generally, our shunting locomotives (we generally call them 'switchers') were rather heavy and bulky (But there were lighter models to suit some customers) and although no longer so popular on the active freight railroads, some of the diesel models were still regularly seeing service on larger railways as recent as 20-30 years ago. These days, the diesel switchers built in the 1950s, '60s and '70s are most commonly seen working industrial plants and short lines, or in tourism service, both of which have been perfect 'later life' applications for them. Although many a steam switcher was cut up and scrapped, a number are preserved. There were never very many small diesels quite like your Ruston in the United States (Compared to other kinds of switching locomotives), and mostly they served use in industries that did not require or could not use larger, heavier equipment. Some were manufactured by large and well known companies, while others were experimental 'one offs'. It's a bit of a shame that the small industrial switcher didn't have as much of a presence here as they had in the UK, you folks are most lucky to have so many of these lovely engines preserved!!
The UK had done really well for locomotive preservation, we're really lucky. You guys didn't do too well, still gotta be thankful for what is saved. Shunters/switchers are getting rarer here, big diesels are electric drive, so can shunt with ease these days. It's quite exciting to stumble across one - there's one on the Docks near me, I'm still excited to see it!
@@lmm Ah! That's wonderful! Glad some are still put to good use. Yes, that's quite what happened to the switching locomotives here. In the 1950s, the rise of "Road Switchers", locomotives with good visibility both forward and behind, and the versatility of diesel-electric propulsion allowing for practical use both on the mainline and in the yards. Maintaining a separate fleet of locomotives that could only be used in switching duties, when mainline locomotives could do the job just as well, just didn't make sense. I have to agree, many less historical locomotives have been preserved in the US, likely because of the nature of how American Railroads tend to dispose of unwanted equipment. Often, diesels were traded in through programs to get new locomotives, ensuring they were gone for good. And most equipment that for whatever reason did not seem easy to sell, was simply sent off for scrap or cut up on site. One of my favorite parts of railroading is Trolley Lines (You call them electric Trams in the UK), which are even less plentiful in survivors. The struggle with Trolley lines, was that most cars built up until the 1920s, were made of wood. When trolley lines shut down due to competition from busses and automobiles, and trucks stealing their freight traffic (For those lines that carried freight), there were not often many lines left seeking used equipment. And being made of wood, the easiest method of scrapping was to simply set them ablaze and then rake out the metal from the ashes. Most trolley lines that were shut down around the 1920s-1940s disappeared and left behind no more than perhaps a single car (stripped of valuables) being turned into a summer cottage or a farm shed, or turned into a diner and heavily modified over the years to a near complete loss of recognizable form. Most remaining electric Trolley cars that could be restored, are now in the hands of museums, but a number still remain hidden throughout the countryside. Unlike later steel PCC trolleys (The first and just about only national standard design for a Trolley), their numbers are particularly limited for any particular pattern, and it's a terrible shame that so many of them were lost before there was a chance to raise funds and interests to preserve them!
Know this locomotive from Fawley Hill . Been in its cab --- as you say it is a useful little engine . Having driven the 03 and travelled in the cab of the Planet it would have been nice to have had a go with the Ruston .
I'm so glad I got your video of collecting this lovely little loco recommended to me by TH-cam - been really nice watching the videos you've done on her, you and everyone who has helped to get her looking this good should be extremely proud! I love the Ruston 48s, while I am definitely more of a steam man (Loco cleaner at the Ribble Steam in Preston and on the Talyllyn!) if the chance to purchase one of these came up, I would absolutely adore one! Small/industrial locos are my favourite type of locos, haha. Looking forward to more from you and your Ruston!
Well thanks TH-cam for recommending it! Super to hear you enjoyed seeing the progress on the girl, we're all just so proud of her. I'm the same, I love steam, its always been my passion, but industrial locos are brilliant 😂 Ribble is an interesting set up, and the Talyllyn is just beautiful, and one of the most friendly lines I've ever visited. If either of them ever want to do anything on the channel, let me know! 😂 When I got the email offering it for sale from Sir William, I genuinely have never been so excited. Thank you, it will be appearing again before too long!
@@lmm I'll give you a message if either line would be up for a "Lawrie goes loco"! Good to hear she'll be appearing again soon - keep up the great videos!!
Very nice, kinda reminds me of the old "rail tractors" we used to have here in Victoria Australia, they were basically an old fixed wheel wagon with a tractor on it! Very similar controls, extremely noisy and vibrated like nothing else!
That looks absolutely fantastic. I occasionally shunt using a the Ruston 40DL (nick-named Tardis) we have at the Don River Railway. It's a great little loco to drive and it pulls really well considering its size and age. It can pull our 96t M Class which still amazes me.
Mine was built in 1951, number 305302. Currently used for shunting sleepers and our ballast wagon. We tried using intercom radios to talk to the track crew, it was so noisy, we ended up using hand signals. Mine was built in 1951, number 305302. Currently used for shunting sleepers and our ballast wagon. We tried using intercom radios to talk to the track crew, it was so noisy, we ended up using hand signals.
It's a wonderful locomotive, but she was just visiting the Leiston Works Railway to re open it. Just a weekend visit sadly. The raikway used to link two parts of a factory together.
Lawrie's Mechanical Marvels it’s a lovely engine indeed. I’ve got a restored Scammell Scarab lorry and Leyland Atlantean bus. I love driving them around for a jolly out.
Would it be a step to saving your hearing to line the cab with sound absorbing foam inside and if space allowed to do the underneath of the cab ? I think it would be an improvement .Of course some of the noise is a result of it being reflected off the brick walls as well
Great wee loco Lawrie. I love your enthusiasm. I'm a volunteer on a railway myself. We have a Ruston 165, it's used to shunt the steam shed. We have D2767, a rare North British shunter, it's very loud, you would love it!
Thank you very much - I'm very proud of the little thing. Which railway is that? Would they be intrested in having D2767 appear on the channel - I've always fancied a go in a North British, they tend to sound awesome!
One thing you might want to add on either side of the cab are some folding wooden seats, else I can imagine standing getting a bit painful! Superb loco, something I as a rail enthusiast can probably only dream of
While the noise comes from the engine and running gear, most of it will be vibration in the sheet metal. Add some 90 degree angle iron bracing and consider adding some sound deadening to the cab.
amazing cute little thing. is there any plans to fit vac brakes to allow it to haul some passenger's and stop heavy loads. it's amazing to think that it was once flying Scotsman's shunter. great to see someone relatively young own his own loco then the only person I know who owns a loco is a lot older.
I'm glad you agree! I think it's super! I've got no plans to fit vac atm, I have concidered the idea. I'm hoping we're going to be allowed to operate with a brakevan as it has an independent brake. For stopping heavier trains, we've tested it at the MSLR and it'll stop three wagons on the steepest part of the line - but won't push them back up, so there isn't really anything to gain in that department. It's a great line up isn't it, 4472 and 294266! I'm really proud to be a younger person into railways, I'd always dreamed of having my own Loco, so just really happy it worked out.
I would guess one of the reasons they are noisy is panel rattle and no sound deadening there are some good sound deadening products used in vans that might help
2:52 It suddenly struck me that if you lived in the house just there, and had a gate through that wall then your Ruston where it is would be standing in for a car on a driveway, and why not? :D
Get to drive one at the Mountsorrel Heritage Railway where we carry out occasional shunting demonstrations, and yes it is very loud and very rattly but what a experience!
Good lord, really! Your Ruston originally worked at Croppers paper. That place is a stone's throw from me and is still going! Wow! Just for accuracy Burneside is pronounced "Burneyside"... Yeah, I know.
Going on a journey like that you should have taken along a packed lunch and a giant flask of tea. Then you could have a picnic and get your energy back for the return journey.
Hi. Loved the video and your loco. Reminds me of one I used to see and have a ride on when I was coming home from school. Not sure if it was the same as yours, it was a Ruston & Hornsby Type 88DS 0-4-0DM Shunter - built 1957 No 20 based at Reading signal works.
Ah no, the 88 is the next size up, with 88 horsepower, rather than my tiny 48. Must have been good fun to get a ride on though! Glad to hear you enjoyed the video!
@@lmm Thanks for coming back to me. I did a bit more research and worked out it was not quite the same. It was good fun being only 14 or so having a ride in the cab but I'm a driver now so do it every working day. I may try to come and see your loco one day.
It would look good on the Mountsorrel Railway! GCR in the early days called QWAG (Quorn & Woodhouse Action Group)... It went to GCRN and then I believe it left.
Brilliant!. I want one!. Would'nt one of the larger established heretidge railways give it space?. It seems to take up less than an open goods wagon. And on 'Diesel days' it would delight all ages.
It is pretty awesome. :) I suppose there is scope for that, though most railways space is at a premium. West Somerset has one as their diesel works Shunter - one I almost purchased ages ago. For now I'm very happy with it being at the MSLR.
I have driven at least 3 of these locos which I liken to the Austin 7 of standard gauge locos very easy to drive but you can still get into trouble with a heavy load as the brakes are limited by the weight of the loco we have had three of these locos at Cottesmore over the years I think I even drove yours at carnforth during the day's of Sir Williams ownership I hope she gives you years of fun I now. Own the last loco but in Swindon works for British railways yours Robert Staines owner of D9555
I can request it where my Loco lives, to just go for a run. Gets more complicated with bigger railways. Some of them are long enough I'd probably need a bed with the speed my Ruston does!
Mint looking loco there couldn’t get any better there you know you’ve succeeded in life when you got a loco unlike me though working at a small branch fixing engines
I'd be most interested to ride it. I've leant ( many through motorcycling, that speed is relative. Even 40 MPH in a rough, noisy 1 ton van, on a rough, cambered road with things like manhole covers seems fast. Wile 60 MPH in a smooth, quiet car on a smooth highway, is laid back. Mainline locos have a slow rock and roll gait, doesn't matter what the speed it. But with most passenger car, I find 50 or more at night feels fast, 60 or more , flying but often 100 MPH in the day, does not feel fast & 60, just ordernary. In Adelaide Australia there was a suburban fleet of trains, nicknamed the Red Hens. Probably due to their, open doors, noise, rough ride, not rocking but a sort tremble through the suspension, ment these DMU always felt fast above 45 mph. They only had a top speed of 55 MPH, but it felt like 70, day or night. MY first bike was a small scooter & even 30 mph on it seemed really fast.
Lozza, by Jove you have done it again... I haven't ever had an interest in trains, yet I love watching this. She's a brilliant and pretty little motor. That tiny diesel tank, does it need 'normal' modern diesel or is there something specific it needs to feed her? Do the neighbours mind you making so much noise each time you go to see her? I assume by modern train tech you can't take her on to non-private lines? I bet she's a real pleasure for train enthusiasts to ride in. Think you'll ever invest in another?
Thank you! That's a huge compliment! I am very proud of the little thing - still stuff to do on her, but it was super taking her out and getting a bit of attention. Yeah, she's running on normal Red Diesel at the moment, idon't think diesel has seen the changes that petrol has. Back at its home on the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway we're more isolated, so less people to complain. At the Leiston Works Railway, as this was the first time a train had run here for in preservation the locals seemed to love it. Out in their gardens waving and taking pictures. We had some people come along who remembered the railway from before it closed too. If it was running every weekend I think the locals may be a little less impressed however! I did wonder how much the house rattled as we went past! You're correct there, it has non of the systems required to run on the 'Network'. As it'll only do 9mph flat out, it's also just too slow. It's good fun to go for a ride in, novelty value is quite high, there aren't a huge number still running regularly. The excessive noise does rather negatively effect the pleasure somewhat though. I wouldn't say no to another, there's several on scrap yards I've my eye on, but it's funds, and having a place for it to live. If I could make it work I would.
Being an american, my idea of a small diesel shunter (or switcher if you're here in the US) is something like a class 08. It's weird being an american railfan and seeing what european railfans consider big and/or small.
You guys generally had buckeye coupling right? No buffers and so no chance of buffer lock. 😂 That's when the curve is so tight, one buffer can slip behind the other. And then you've got problems. Over sized buffers made it less likely.
My dad worked with this loco, and I wrote a massive comment for you to read, then deleted it when I was trying to copy it so I could paste it if I ever got hold of an email address for you. I'm NOT writing it out on here again, as you may not actually see and read it. So, if you DO see this, send me your email address, so I can write it ONCE there, and you can actually see what I know about this loco's past use. Love the vids Keep'em coming Rich 🥰🥰🥰
Need to come down and have a look round it soon :) I'm in the process of rewiring mine now. I had trouble with my forward/reverse gears, having watched this video, I might try your technique and bring it into a gear then try the reverser :)
Most people: buys a classic car Most people: buys an aeroplane Most people: buys a boat Lawrie: "I got all that" Lawrie: "all that's kinda bland." Lawrie: "I'mma buy a Ruston shunter!"
@@lmm the thing is Lawrie is steam locomotives have to be stripped down every 10 years so its not just running one it's the 10 yearly overhauls so I see where your coming from did you enjoy the nymr when you went spotting thanks
Do love the moors. Stunning railway, with some proper locos on it. It's not even the ten yearly that's the only issue, it's the regular boiler inspections, the cost of repairing absolutely everything, and just everyday operating cost. There's one way to make a small fortune with a steam locomotive, and that's to start with a big fortune!
No, it's very early days for a new heritage railway, which used to link two factories, with the workers Houses built up around it. Maybe one day I'll be get my own railway!
Running costs on day to day are just oil and diesel - so it's not that bad, the more you use it, the more expensive it is! There are spare bits kicking about, but some bits will have to be modified to take newer equivalents or, we'll have to make bits. Keep the million questions coming!
No, it's a little bit (100 yards) of old track which connected Garrett's in Leiston to the Aldeborough branch line. They've just relaid the track this year after clearing a lot of crap: maps.app.goo.gl/SbsM4YzTNUNz7xgh6
It doesn't sound like you'll ever get tired of saying "MY locomotive."
I wouldn't get tired of it either. :)
My railway friends all hate me now as everything begins "Well, as a Locomotive owner..." 😂
Its a love hate relation ship to an extent isnt it?
I'm pretty sure there's still some love there 😂
@@lmm Lmao, admittedly i'd be doing that too!
It's really quite lovely 😂
Bro I will forever respect you for taking the time to BUY a locomotive and take the time to open a railway for his viewers and for fun. Respect
Thank you very much!
Handsome little engine, something to be proud of.
Just needs a longer track and maybe a brake van to pull.
Thank you, it really is. I really am so proud of it.
Where its normally based at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, its regularly used for shunting, so gets a bit more work.
Some people have a pond, or maybe a tree or two. Some people have a model railway. Not so for this man.
It's almost small enough to be a model.
I coincider it raikway modeling in 1:1 scale 😂
It was a rather daft thing to buy.
@@lmm I am restoring a jaguar xjs, you don't get much more daft, (and quite possibly pointless) than that.
@@arandomsteve2251 We all have our little oddities ;-) mines series Land Rovers, apparently there's treatment for it these days.
a random steve this man will maybe have his own FRICKING RAILWAY in the future
Xjs are awesome!
As are old landies.
I'm certainly intending to have my own railway 😂
I remember in the docklands redevelopment in East London a poor Ruston that had been unceremoniously dumped on waste ground when they ripped up the old docklands yards next to Tate and Lyle's factory. I loved driving these, didn't have the pure grunt of the 08's but were more sprightly and could handle the crinkle cut chip rails in many a neglected yard, one of British railways unsung heroes that got the job done whether on little rails or with the big bois.
I think they're super little locos, certainly lacking grunt!
Oh I imagine they must have encountered some horrendously laid railway.
New subscriber here - Love it! Very cool project.
Reminds me of my '42 WWII jeep. Lousy brakes, underpowered, rough riding, uncomfortable seats, no radio, AC, power steering or brakes, etc. but a total blast to drive around. I get offers, people who want to take photos, both of it and with it. Big fun!!!
Thanks for joining us!
Oh it's all about the experience and having fun isn't it!
"ONE......we have one"
"Ill go check in the sidings"
I was never expecting to find something so awesome and inspiring for me on TH-cam. And here you are, thank you
Thank you very much for your kind words. I hope you continue to enjoy what we're doing.
Love it! Your enthusiasm is infectious
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video!
Where did you say the 1 in 13 is?
What a fun toy you have! Yes, it is loud. It's a steel box with nothing designed to make it quiet. Sounds like transmission uses straight cut gears and is old enough that they might be worn too. No one cared about the noise when they made them. The workers ears and health were expendable. Looks like just the right size.
It's a really super piece of kit.
@@lmm When I retire I'd love to spend some time traveling and seeing all the places such as heritage rail. So keep yours running long enough for me to get there!
Glad the handbrake works else you will be through the fence into the neighbours garden.
Yeah, there was a sleeper chained to the rail as a last resort, but the Loco was inspected before it left the MSLR and on arrival to the LWR to ensure everything with in good condition.
@@lmm glad its you driving and not me! trust me, I'd brake to late and end up planting a shunter into some poor old lady's backyard.
Best to have a bank @ the end of the line (Sandringham Melbourne).
Oh, & an HST for the getaway. " SORRY ABOUT THAT CHIEF!" Maxwell Smart!
Congratulations, great little locomotive, any plans to add more track??
Thank you, I'm so very taken with the little thing.
The Leiston Works railway is looking to extend quite a bit, but I don't think they've made any additional progress yet.
More then 100 yards or meters, or something.
Being more familiar with the Ruston 88DS , I fully expected your 48DS to be just a smaller version (they do look similar) but there are quite a few differences. Electric start instead of air start, hand brake instead of air brakes to mention just a couple, but nevertheless, a very nice little loco- ideal size for the garden! You have done a lovely job of the paintwork and I hope you have many years of enjoyment driving it.
Thank you, I really am so proud of what we've achieved with it. It is very basic. I would really like to have a go in a 88 and see how it compares.
Brilliant little loco and a wonderful review. I've just spent nearly 20 minutes just smiling happily, thank you.
Thank you, that's put a massive grin on my face! Really glad you've been enjoying the Ruston adventure!
I don't know if this is just me, but I feel like this little thing has quite the "Purposeful" look to it. she means business, even if she's also kind of adorable in her own way. (I hope sincerely that you don't mind me calling your engine adorable). Especially from some of the low angle shots, how the buffers just sort of loom up at you.
It's very adorable, I'm glad that you agree!
It does look just right, I agree with you.
Its a beutiful shunter and very hard working train!
This train is one of my favourite
It's an absolutely cracking little bit of kit!
Think he likes it. Sorry, I'll speak up, THINK HE LIKES IT !!!
Hahahahah.
Is it really that apparent 😂
Nice little Ruston there. It's a beauty of engineering. I'm really jealous though I don't think I'll fit one in my garden! !
It's a great little thing. I'm super proud to have it.
It might fit into my garden, but I don't think you could physically get it in 😂
Fred Dibnah would've loved to had you as his next door neighbour!
I like to think we'd have got on famously 😂
Wow, this is awesome! It is so beautiful to see history kept alive. Cheers from your german pal
Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed the video.
You guys have some awesome locomotives!
@@lmm Yeees. I am a huge fan of the "Roter Elch" (V200)
Absolutely fantastic! 👍 It looks beautiful!
Thank you, I am really very proud of her!
"IT'S VERY LOUD!!", he says, driving about 3 feet from people's houses. I bet his neighbours love him.
They're not my neighbours...
She's not too loud outside.
The cab just rattles a bit
Just seeing how much fun your having with such a small locomotive brings a smile to my face although it would be interesting to see it pulling a train cart or something it can easily move under it's own power but with the limited space of tracks your train is on I don't see it happening as of yet
If you check out some of the What's Broken Now videos you'll see it trundling about at the Mid Suffolk Light Railway, which is where it normally lives.
It does bring me alot of joy!
really? thanks for letting me now i'll go check them out :D
Hope you enjoy!
Having driven this thing at LMMfest, I can confirm it's bloody loud!
Brilliant series of loco vlogs :) really enjoyed this. Please keep it up dude
We've got so much lined up, it's going to continue for a while at the very least! Glad you're enjoying it!
"And of course"
*Beep*
"A horn"
It's very in keeping with the Loco!
Curiously I have seen a Ruston 48DS here in New Zealand. It was a 3ft 6inch gauge version at a little heritage railway near the town of Ashburton. I'm not sure why there's a 48DS in the smaller land down under, but that doesn't excuse her from being interesting.
There's a couple. I found one in a play area outside Christchurch!
She may be small, but she looks very well built. Great little loco, and her engine sounds great too.
It's actually all in pretty good order, Engine is lovely, I'm a very proud man.
Was good to see the Ruston on the line, hopefully there'll be more next time.
We hope so too!
A truly wonderful little shunter Locomotive! Out here in the 'states where I live, 'shunters' of this size were exceptionally rare, particularly after the era of Steam Locomotives. Generally, our shunting locomotives (we generally call them 'switchers') were rather heavy and bulky (But there were lighter models to suit some customers) and although no longer so popular on the active freight railroads, some of the diesel models were still regularly seeing service on larger railways as recent as 20-30 years ago. These days, the diesel switchers built in the 1950s, '60s and '70s are most commonly seen working industrial plants and short lines, or in tourism service, both of which have been perfect 'later life' applications for them. Although many a steam switcher was cut up and scrapped, a number are preserved. There were never very many small diesels quite like your Ruston in the United States (Compared to other kinds of switching locomotives), and mostly they served use in industries that did not require or could not use larger, heavier equipment. Some were manufactured by large and well known companies, while others were experimental 'one offs'. It's a bit of a shame that the small industrial switcher didn't have as much of a presence here as they had in the UK, you folks are most lucky to have so many of these lovely engines preserved!!
The UK had done really well for locomotive preservation, we're really lucky. You guys didn't do too well, still gotta be thankful for what is saved.
Shunters/switchers are getting rarer here, big diesels are electric drive, so can shunt with ease these days.
It's quite exciting to stumble across one - there's one on the Docks near me, I'm still excited to see it!
@@lmm Ah! That's wonderful! Glad some are still put to good use. Yes, that's quite what happened to the switching locomotives here. In the 1950s, the rise of "Road Switchers", locomotives with good visibility both forward and behind, and the versatility of diesel-electric propulsion allowing for practical use both on the mainline and in the yards. Maintaining a separate fleet of locomotives that could only be used in switching duties, when mainline locomotives could do the job just as well, just didn't make sense. I have to agree, many less historical locomotives have been preserved in the US, likely because of the nature of how American Railroads tend to dispose of unwanted equipment. Often, diesels were traded in through programs to get new locomotives, ensuring they were gone for good. And most equipment that for whatever reason did not seem easy to sell, was simply sent off for scrap or cut up on site. One of my favorite parts of railroading is Trolley Lines (You call them electric Trams in the UK), which are even less plentiful in survivors. The struggle with Trolley lines, was that most cars built up until the 1920s, were made of wood. When trolley lines shut down due to competition from busses and automobiles, and trucks stealing their freight traffic (For those lines that carried freight), there were not often many lines left seeking used equipment. And being made of wood, the easiest method of scrapping was to simply set them ablaze and then rake out the metal from the ashes. Most trolley lines that were shut down around the 1920s-1940s disappeared and left behind no more than perhaps a single car (stripped of valuables) being turned into a summer cottage or a farm shed, or turned into a diner and heavily modified over the years to a near complete loss of recognizable form. Most remaining electric Trolley cars that could be restored, are now in the hands of museums, but a number still remain hidden throughout the countryside. Unlike later steel PCC trolleys (The first and just about only national standard design for a Trolley), their numbers are particularly limited for any particular pattern, and it's a terrible shame that so many of them were lost before there was a chance to raise funds and interests to preserve them!
Know this locomotive from Fawley Hill . Been in its cab --- as you say it is a useful little engine . Having driven the 03 and travelled in the cab of the Planet it would have been nice to have had a go with the Ruston .
I'm so glad I got your video of collecting this lovely little loco recommended to me by TH-cam - been really nice watching the videos you've done on her, you and everyone who has helped to get her looking this good should be extremely proud!
I love the Ruston 48s, while I am definitely more of a steam man (Loco cleaner at the Ribble Steam in Preston and on the Talyllyn!) if the chance to purchase one of these came up, I would absolutely adore one!
Small/industrial locos are my favourite type of locos, haha.
Looking forward to more from you and your Ruston!
Well thanks TH-cam for recommending it!
Super to hear you enjoyed seeing the progress on the girl, we're all just so proud of her.
I'm the same, I love steam, its always been my passion, but industrial locos are brilliant 😂
Ribble is an interesting set up, and the Talyllyn is just beautiful, and one of the most friendly lines I've ever visited.
If either of them ever want to do anything on the channel, let me know! 😂
When I got the email offering it for sale from Sir William, I genuinely have never been so excited.
Thank you, it will be appearing again before too long!
@@lmm I'll give you a message if either line would be up for a "Lawrie goes loco"!
Good to hear she'll be appearing again soon - keep up the great videos!!
I'm sure you can't wait to get the flanges fixed and maybe one day run it on a continuous track for all to see. So much character. Cheers.
It's running alot at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, but we're on restricted speed for the time being.
She is a super thing!
Excellent.
Very nice, kinda reminds me of the old "rail tractors" we used to have here in Victoria Australia, they were basically an old fixed wheel wagon with a tractor on it! Very similar controls, extremely noisy and vibrated like nothing else!
Oh I've seen photos of them! They look absolutely bonkers!
the neighbors probably are less amused about a 7.5 ton diesel locomotive running up and down right next to their house. lol.
They seemed pretty happy, some even came out into their gardens and waved!
That looks absolutely fantastic.
I occasionally shunt using a the Ruston 40DL (nick-named Tardis) we have at the Don River Railway. It's a great little loco to drive and it pulls really well considering its size and age. It can pull our 96t M Class which still amazes me.
Thank you!
Oh that's cool to know you've got a Ruston over there!
They're deceptively powerful for their size!
Oh I remember your little Ruston being at Steamtown 😁👍
Oh really? Don't suppose you've any pictures - I'd love to see them!
Made a lovely job of that, Lauwrie!
Thank you, I'm so proud of it!
Everyone said my DS48 is very loud and the Forward/reverse is a pain. It’s the way it is and it’s great fun
Glad to know it's not just mine then! Which one is yours?
Mine was built in 1951, number 305302.
Currently used for shunting sleepers and our ballast wagon.
We tried using intercom radios to talk to the track crew, it was so noisy, we ended up using hand signals.
Mine was built in 1951, number 305302.
Currently used for shunting sleepers and our ballast wagon.
We tried using intercom radios to talk to the track crew, it was so noisy, we ended up using hand signals.
What a fabulous little locomotive and love it how you run it at home. I couldn’t think of a better way to annoy the neighbours 😁
It's a wonderful locomotive, but she was just visiting the Leiston Works Railway to re open it.
Just a weekend visit sadly.
The raikway used to link two parts of a factory together.
Lawrie's Mechanical Marvels it’s a lovely engine indeed. I’ve got a restored Scammell Scarab lorry and Leyland Atlantean bus. I love driving them around for a jolly out.
I love scamells! Fancy letting them appear on the channel at some point?
Would it be a step to saving your hearing to line the cab with sound absorbing foam inside and if space allowed to do the underneath of the cab ? I think it would be an improvement .Of course some of the noise is a result of it being reflected off the brick walls as well
It's noisy everywhere. Sound deadening is one of the next things we need to investigate on it.
Great wee loco Lawrie. I love your enthusiasm. I'm a volunteer on a railway myself. We have a Ruston 165, it's used to shunt the steam shed. We have D2767, a rare North British shunter, it's very loud, you would love it!
Thank you very much - I'm very proud of the little thing.
Which railway is that? Would they be intrested in having D2767 appear on the channel - I've always fancied a go in a North British, they tend to sound awesome!
Really needs a trip to the muffler shop for new guts to the muffler.
I like how it sounds though!
What a great little locomotive, nice that you saved her from a possible Lonely museum existence 👍👍👍😎😎😎
Thank you, I absolutely love the little thing. Yes, she's being rather useful to the Mid Suffolk Light Railway!
One thing you might want to add on either side of the cab are some folding wooden seats, else I can imagine standing getting a bit painful! Superb loco, something I as a rail enthusiast can probably only dream of
It was always my dream too, I just got lucky, in the right place at the right time.
I was thinking of a pair of deck chairs! 😂
FANTASTIC video! I'd love a loco of my own one day. I want to be a high speed passenger train driver one day.
While the noise comes from the engine and running gear, most of it will be vibration in the sheet metal. Add some 90 degree angle iron bracing and consider adding some sound deadening to the cab.
That will certainly help!
What was it like meeting such a legendary figure in the heritage railway movement, Lawrie?
Pretty amazing to be honest. He was just so nice and welcoming
amazing cute little thing. is there any plans to fit vac brakes to allow it to haul some passenger's and stop heavy loads. it's amazing to think that it was once flying Scotsman's shunter. great to see someone relatively young own his own loco then the only person I know who owns a loco is a lot older.
I'm glad you agree! I think it's super!
I've got no plans to fit vac atm, I have concidered the idea.
I'm hoping we're going to be allowed to operate with a brakevan as it has an independent brake. For stopping heavier trains, we've tested it at the MSLR and it'll stop three wagons on the steepest part of the line - but won't push them back up, so there isn't really anything to gain in that department.
It's a great line up isn't it, 4472 and 294266!
I'm really proud to be a younger person into railways, I'd always dreamed of having my own Loco, so just really happy it worked out.
I would guess one of the reasons they are noisy is panel rattle and no sound deadening there are some good sound deadening products used in vans that might help
Yeah, definitely. I might look at trying it at some point. Bolting all of the floor down would help too!
Need a flat bed truck now and it would look just like the Hornby model which is coming out soon.
That's how it normally runs at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway. I really must get one of those models!
2:52 It suddenly struck me that if you lived in the house just there, and had a gate through that wall then your Ruston where it is would be standing in for a car on a driveway, and why not? :D
Good system that
Get to drive one at the Mountsorrel Heritage Railway where we carry out occasional shunting demonstrations, and yes it is very loud and very rattly but what a experience!
I've seen videos of it out and about. It looks so perfect there!
Good lord, really! Your Ruston originally worked at Croppers paper. That place is a stone's throw from me and is still going! Wow!
Just for accuracy Burneside is pronounced "Burneyside"... Yeah, I know.
Oh really? Snallt world right?
Oh the joys of the English language...
Ah, a shibboleth. th-cam.com/video/mOd3lwluQIw/w-d-xo.html
Great to see, what a lovely loco, so this is what the Hornby model should be like then!
Thank you, I'm super proud of her.
I want to get the model and compare it side by side!
@@lmm That will be interesting
Yeah, I hope they'll release my one!
Going on a journey like that you should have taken along a packed lunch and a giant flask of tea. Then you could have a picnic and get your energy back for the return journey.
This is true. I was woefully prepared for such a long trip
Hi. Loved the video and your loco. Reminds me of one I used to see and have a ride on when I was coming home from school. Not sure if it was the same as yours, it was a Ruston & Hornsby Type 88DS 0-4-0DM Shunter - built 1957 No 20 based at Reading signal works.
Ah no, the 88 is the next size up, with 88 horsepower, rather than my tiny 48.
Must have been good fun to get a ride on though!
Glad to hear you enjoyed the video!
@@lmm Thanks for coming back to me. I did a bit more research and worked out it was not quite the same. It was good fun being only 14 or so having a ride in the cab but I'm a driver now so do it every working day. I may try to come and see your loco one day.
It would look good on the Mountsorrel Railway! GCR in the early days called QWAG (Quorn & Woodhouse Action Group)... It went to GCRN and then I believe it left.
Yeah! I know of QWAG!
Think it burnt out its clutch shunting something massive 😂
It would be fun to get a couple of 48s together!
You are a Railroader on a Railway. You have your own locomotive. Cool.
She's a beaut!
Pity this guy's neighbor's , with him going back and forth all time in a full size train.
It's not mine. This is the beginning of the Leiston Works Railway.
The neighbours all seemed pretty happy to see a Loco running there again!
i know im late, but im jealous. that is one beautiful machine.
Thank you, I'm really proud of it!
Brilliant!. I want one!. Would'nt one of the larger established heretidge railways give it space?. It seems to take up less than an open goods wagon. And on 'Diesel days' it would delight all ages.
It is pretty awesome. :)
I suppose there is scope for that, though most railways space is at a premium.
West Somerset has one as their diesel works Shunter - one I almost purchased ages ago.
For now I'm very happy with it being at the MSLR.
Built a couple of wagons for passengers and give joy rides (if track is long enuff). Will help maintain loco
That's what we're hoping for next time it visits the LWR!
It shunts around wagons at the MSLR regularly.
Just stumbled over your channel, really impressed. This is broadcast quality, you should try getting on TV.
Thank you very much indeed, maybe one day, who knows?
I have driven at least 3 of these locos which I liken to the Austin 7 of standard gauge locos very easy to drive but you can still get into trouble with a heavy load as the brakes are limited by the weight of the loco we have had three of these locos at Cottesmore over the years I think I even drove yours at carnforth during the day's of Sir Williams ownership I hope she gives you years of fun I now. Own the last loco but in Swindon works for British railways yours Robert Staines owner of D9555
Oh yours is a real nice thing. Fancy letting us do an episode of Lawrie Goes Loco on it?
Where can I get one of these then?
I you had a wagon with a bed and everything it would be a fun rail trip.
Can you actually do that legally? Get a locomotive and just head for a trip?
I can request it where my Loco lives, to just go for a run. Gets more complicated with bigger railways.
Some of them are long enough I'd probably need a bed with the speed my Ruston does!
Ah, Fleetguard filter, good stuff, we use them in our New Flyer busses.
Oh really?
That reverser lever looks like it's been nicked from a mechanical signal box... :D
Hahahahs, I can assure you it's how it's meant to be.
Mint looking loco there couldn’t get any better there you know you’ve succeeded in life when you got a loco unlike me though working at a small branch fixing engines
It didn't look that good when we aquired it!
I am super proud of her now. Its a mega thing to be able to own!
Must be nice to know that you can preserve it though
Oh yeah, she's not going anywhere!
👍
New superhero LocoMan
I'd be most interested to ride it.
I've leant ( many through motorcycling, that speed is relative.
Even 40 MPH in a rough, noisy 1 ton van, on a rough, cambered road with things like manhole covers seems fast. Wile 60 MPH in a smooth, quiet car on a smooth highway, is laid back.
Mainline locos have a slow rock and roll gait, doesn't matter what the speed it. But with most passenger car, I find 50 or more at night feels fast, 60 or more , flying but often 100 MPH in the day, does not feel fast & 60, just ordernary.
In Adelaide Australia there was a suburban fleet of trains, nicknamed the Red Hens. Probably due to their, open doors, noise, rough ride, not rocking but a sort tremble through the suspension, ment these DMU always felt fast above 45 mph. They only had a top speed of 55 MPH, but it felt like 70, day or night.
MY first bike was a small scooter & even 30 mph on it seemed really fast.
Hi Lawrie one day I want to build a O gauge Layout and I want to call it LEXI after my dog which sadly passed away yesterday
Lozza, by Jove you have done it again... I haven't ever had an interest in trains, yet I love watching this. She's a brilliant and pretty little motor.
That tiny diesel tank, does it need 'normal' modern diesel or is there something specific it needs to feed her?
Do the neighbours mind you making so much noise each time you go to see her?
I assume by modern train tech you can't take her on to non-private lines?
I bet she's a real pleasure for train enthusiasts to ride in. Think you'll ever invest in another?
Thank you! That's a huge compliment!
I am very proud of the little thing - still stuff to do on her, but it was super taking her out and getting a bit of attention.
Yeah, she's running on normal Red Diesel at the moment, idon't think diesel has seen the changes that petrol has.
Back at its home on the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway we're more isolated, so less people to complain. At the Leiston Works Railway, as this was the first time a train had run here for in preservation the locals seemed to love it. Out in their gardens waving and taking pictures.
We had some people come along who remembered the railway from before it closed too.
If it was running every weekend I think the locals may be a little less impressed however!
I did wonder how much the house rattled as we went past!
You're correct there, it has non of the systems required to run on the 'Network'. As it'll only do 9mph flat out, it's also just too slow.
It's good fun to go for a ride in, novelty value is quite high, there aren't a huge number still running regularly. The excessive noise does rather negatively effect the pleasure somewhat though.
I wouldn't say no to another, there's several on scrap yards I've my eye on, but it's funds, and having a place for it to live.
If I could make it work I would.
a HUBNUT for the railways!
I take that as a big compliment! Thanks!
Being an american, my idea of a small diesel shunter (or switcher if you're here in the US) is something like a class 08. It's weird being an american railfan and seeing what european railfans consider big and/or small.
This is tiny! One of the smallest diesel shunters mass produced in the UK!
08 is a standard sized Shunter in the UK really.
the ruston has BIG buffers
They're to help prevent buffer lock, when shunting wagons around tight curves.
Oh ok. I'm from the US and I'm not familiar with locomotives made in the Great Britain area.
You guys generally had buckeye coupling right?
No buffers and so no chance of buffer lock. 😂
That's when the curve is so tight, one buffer can slip behind the other. And then you've got problems.
Over sized buffers made it less likely.
Thats cool!
Now you need some trucks or coaches to complete the set
I would like a flat wagon to put a tractor on...
My dad worked with this loco, and I wrote a massive comment for you to read, then deleted it when I was trying to copy it so I could paste it if I ever got hold of an email address for you.
I'm NOT writing it out on here again, as you may not actually see and read it.
So, if you DO see this, send me your email address, so I can write it ONCE there, and you can actually see what I know about this loco's past use.
Love the vids
Keep'em coming
Rich 🥰🥰🥰
Reminds me of the whitcomb engine on display in my town.
I'm not sure which one that is, I'll have to do some researching.
Awesome video man! just curious, have you ever driven the loco at night? if so, is the headlight effective?
Not mine, and I doubt it. In the UK lights are generally just markers.
Need to come down and have a look round it soon :)
I'm in the process of rewiring mine now.
I had trouble with my forward/reverse gears, having watched this video, I might try your technique and bring it into a gear then try the reverser :)
Yeah, drop us an email and we'll arrange something. At least the rewiring isn't too complex!
Hope you'll be able to get it into reverse now!
Yes, will do.
And the previous person must have been smoking something when they wired it 😅
Oh that's be best kind of wiring - creative wiring!
Love it. Great lil loco
Thank you, I'm super proud of it.
Are you just running back and forth on 50 meters of track?
I think it was 100 😂
That's all they had laid for the anniversary of the railway in Leiston.
Most people: buys a classic car
Most people: buys an aeroplane
Most people: buys a boat
Lawrie: "I got all that"
Lawrie: "all that's kinda bland."
Lawrie: "I'mma buy a Ruston shunter!"
Also a mate o mine sent me a link to an American SD-40-2
$275,000.
Hmm...Ferrari, or EMD...Tough choice.
The only way to travel Lawrie 😀😀 tho I am a steam enthusiast
I'm a massive steam fan, but I just can't afford to maintain a steam locomotive. This thing is pretty good for a diesel though!
@@lmm the thing is Lawrie is steam locomotives have to be stripped down every 10 years so its not just running one it's the 10 yearly overhauls so I see where your coming from did you enjoy the nymr when you went spotting thanks
Do love the moors. Stunning railway, with some proper locos on it.
It's not even the ten yearly that's the only issue, it's the regular boiler inspections, the cost of repairing absolutely everything, and just everyday operating cost.
There's one way to make a small fortune with a steam locomotive, and that's to start with a big fortune!
wow lawrie, what’s next. you’re own railway XD
at the rate he's going I wouldn't be surprised.
I'd really like to. Hopefully one day, Just need some land...
It is beautiful
Isn't it just!
That's a loud little bugger! That would be my dream to have a REAL locomotive, Standard gauge, must be fantastic.
I am very excited to have her.
Soo you have a rail yard in your garden?
No, it's very early days for a new heritage railway, which used to link two factories, with the workers Houses built up around it.
Maybe one day I'll be get my own railway!
Whats the running cost? Do you have to get parts fabricated or can you pick up used? I have a million questions.
Running costs on day to day are just oil and diesel - so it's not that bad, the more you use it, the more expensive it is!
There are spare bits kicking about, but some bits will have to be modified to take newer equivalents or, we'll have to make bits.
Keep the million questions coming!
How is it that you get to drive so many locomotives
I saw the video where you picked it up, you weren't able to start it then, what did you find out about it that you were able to fix?
Better battery.
We'd had it running when I agreed to buy it before I bought it, so we knew it worked.
It was just lack of use.
I bet your neighbours love you!
Is this just a little bit of track you have at home or is it at a station somewhere.
It's the Leiston Works railway, the newest heritage railway in the UK!
We just visited for a weekend.
I just subscribed to your channel and hello from New Hampshire usa.
Thank you very much - it's super exciting to have guys from the states enjoying what we're doing!
Could you put the photo of it going up the hill at Fawkey Hull on your website?
That's not my photo to use I'm afraid
No mention of air brake nor any seen. Is this only 4 wheel mechanical brake?
Not mentioned as it has none. Handbrake is all it's got!
Is this literally a section of standard gauge track in a back garden? O.o
No, it's a little bit (100 yards) of old track which connected Garrett's in Leiston to the Aldeborough branch line. They've just relaid the track this year after clearing a lot of crap:
maps.app.goo.gl/SbsM4YzTNUNz7xgh6
As Thomas said.
I was asked to take my Loco there to open the line, so we did!
Maybe you should get a freight car from it’s era ;)
You know, to take passengers
It's done a service with a brakevan at its home on the Mid Suffolk Light Railway